Category Archives: Saudia-Saudi Arabian Airlines

Saudia says its Airbus A330-300 came under fire at Khartoum Airport as it was preparing for departure

At least two airliners were badly damaged or completely destroyed while parked at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) on Saturday, April 15.

A Saudia Airbus A330-300 (HZ-AQ30) was preparing for departure to Riyadh when it was attacked in the civil war and the other was a Boeing 737-800 (believed to be UR-SQH) operated by SkyUp Airlines of Ukraine (it escaped the war in Ukraine to be attacked in Sudan!).

Saudia escorted the crew (above) and passengers to the Saudi Arabian embassy in Khartoum.

Saudia confirmed the attack:

“SAUDIA clarifies that its A330 aircraft, flight number SV458 was involved in an accident at Khartoum International Airport before taking off to Riyadh at 0730hrs UTC this morning, Saturday, April 15”.

The following airlines had aircraft at Khartoum Airport when it was attacked by rebel forces:

Asia Cargo Airlines

Badr Airlines

MyWay Airlines

Tarco Air

The fate of those aircraft is unknown.

The fighting continues.

More from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/world/saudi-national-carrier-says-aircraft-had-an-accident-khartoum-airport-2023-04-15/

More from the BBC:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65284945

More from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/15/africa/sudan-presidential-palace-intl/index.html

Fighting breaks out in Sudan including Khartoum Airport, aircraft damaged

A domestic war has erupted in Sudan between the military of Sudan and the paramilitary resistance (RSF). A Saudia Airbus A330 appears to have been severely damaged if not destroyed in the fighting. Passengers are sheltering in the terminal and other aircraft are avoiding Sudanese airspace due to the fighting.

Saudia issued this statement:

From the BBC:

“At least three have died as Sudan’s army and a notorious paramilitary force battle with heavy weapons in the capital Khartoum amid tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.

Video showed a civilian plane ablaze at Khartoum airport. Saudi airline Saudia said its airbus “had an accident”.

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it controls airports and other key sites. The army denies this and says jets are hitting RSF bases.”

NEOM Airlines wants to launch operations in 2024 from NEOM Bay Airport in Saudi Arabia

NEOM Airlines plans to fly out of NEOM Bay Airport (NUM), which opened on June 30, 2019.

NEOM logo

NEOM, the sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia, and Saudia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, have created a strategic partnership to begin offering weekly service to international destinations from NEOM Bay Airport (NUM), representing the inauguration of commercial services at the airport.

Saudia currently flies flights to domestic and international destinations including London and Dubai.

Flydubai also operates flights to Dubai from this new airport.

The new carrier will eventually transfer to NEOM International Airport at a later date.

The name NEOM is derived from two words. Envisioned by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, the first three letters come from the Ancient Greek prefix neo – meaning ‘new’. The ‘M’ is the first from ‘Mustaqbal’, an Arabic word meaning ‘future’. The M is also the first letter of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudia to grow long-haul fleet with up to 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) today announced the national flag-carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. Saudia is set to purchase 39 787s, with a further 10 options, utilizing the outstanding efficiency, range and flexibility of the Dreamliner to sustainably grow its global operation. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

Saudia Boeing 787 Dreamliner

This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers announced today their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.   

Saudia currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner. The additional 787s complement Saudia’s existing fleet, enabling it to effectively harness the value of the 777 and 787 families.